Indio is an odd choice for your first time in California. It’s basically a old, run-down, small desert town. It will be hotter’n blazes out there. My advice is to get away from Indio and head to Palm Springs, which is 23 miles west of Indio.
The Palm Springs Tram is one of the greatest experiences in the whole world, so definitely do that. This particular tram spins around slowly 360 degrees as it travels up the side of the mountain, so you get spectacular views of everything. Although it will still be quite warm up at the top of the mountain, it will be considerably cooler than it will be in the desert.
There’s plenty of great restaurants in Palm Springs, pretty much any kind of Cuisine you could imagine And you can shop, or just window shop and people watch while you sip on a cold date shake from Heminger’s Fudge and Chocolates Shop. It is located right next to the historical Village Green
You can also follow in the footsteps of Frank Sinatra
If you want, you can sit on Sonny Bono’s Lap. Sonny Bono was not only a U.S. Congressman, he was also the Mayor of Palm Springs, in addition to having been married to Cher, and being Chaz Bono’s papa.
The Palm Springs Art Museum is definitely worth a visit.
If you’re interested in seeing and learning about the indigenous plants of the area, visit the Moorten Botanical Garden
I would suggest the Indian Canyons Hiking Trails if it wasn’t going to be hot, so save this hiking adventure for another trip, particularly in Spring or Fall. Right now, and probably next week it will be in the high 90’s to low 100’s, not good for hiking.
If you’re interested in Mid Century Modern Architecture Palm Springs is one of the top destinations in the country. You can drive around the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs to see lots of excellent examples of mid-century architecture. Lots of celebrities lived in that area. It is also the place where Elvis and Priscilla Honeymooned and you can take a tour of that house, or just stand out in front and take pictures. You can get lots of information about everything in Palm Springs in side the mid century masterpiece building that houses the Palm Springs Visitor’s Center
Want to see Alternative Energy in motion? Check out the windmills that dot the landscape all across the Coachella Valley on the 10 freeway. You can take a tour, but you can also just drive a long and pull over on various frontage roads to take Pictures
Just outside of Palm Springs is Cabazon. There is a very nice casino called the Morongo Hotel and Casino from there you can take a short drive or walk to see some Dinosaurs. Aren’t They cute? Then you can stop at Hadley’s Fruit and Nuts Store to pick up some snacks and some gifts for your friends and relatives back home. I highly recommend the Date Cake. If you want to do some more shopping, the Cabazon Outlet Stores are right there too
If you must do something in Indio itself, the Fantasy Springs Hotel and Casino are very nice and they usually have concerts there, and they have a nice buffet.
The other thing thing to see/do in Indio is visit the Shield’s Date Farm and Garden
Have a great time. Wear a hat and drink lots of water!